The British Board of Film Classification (BBFC) is proud to announce it is donating £86,000 to various charities this year as part of its ongoing dedication to supporting good causes.

After thoughtful consideration and consultation, the BBFC has selected five exceptional charities that will benefit from this year’s fund. These organisations have been recognised for their dedication, innovation, and tangible impact on their communities and beyond.

To determine the recipients of this year’s fund, the BBFC Board asked all staff members to nominate charities and not-for-profit organisations working in film and media or local charities helping people in the area of Soho, where the BBFC is based. 

The BBFC will allocate the following amounts to the respective organisations, either as restricted funding to support specific existing programmes or as unrestricted funding, allowing the charities to utilise the funds where they are most needed.

£19,000 to Arts Emergency – which helps young people from underrepresented backgrounds pursue careers in the arts and humanities through mentoring, support, and access to professional networks.

£19,000 to Childnet – towards the funding of the 2025 Childnet Film Competition, an initiative which the BBFC has supported for 15 years to ensure that youth voice and creativity is championed in online safety education, this funding will ensure the competition continues in 2025. 

£10,000 to Into Film – to support the Every Child a Filmmaker project, which gives young people from underserved communities the chance to create short films with professional guidance. The donation will fund a cohort of children to share their unique story, develop creative and practical skills, and access new opportunities.

£19,000 to MediCinema – which installs and operates in-hospital cinemas, offering therapeutic film experiences for patients and their families to ease the stress and anxiety felt on the wards. 

£19,000 to The Connection at St Martin’s – which supports people sleeping rough in the heart of London, helping them to recover and find their way off the streets. 

This initiative underscores the BBFC’s commitment to giving back and supporting the film and media industry, as well as its local community. By donating to these remarkable organisations, the BBFC hopes to contribute to their vital work and help them continue making a positive difference.

David Austin OBE, Chief Executive, BBFC: "I am incredibly proud that the BBFC can support these five deserving causes, each of which plays an invaluable role—whether in helping our industry or those who, particularly during this time of year, should never be overlooked. 

“I am also deeply grateful to everyone at the BBFC who nominated these outstanding organisations. On behalf of all of us, I hope that our contributions will help make a lasting and positive impact.

Will Gardner OBE, CEO Childnet and a co-Director of the UK Safer Internet Centre: “Thousands of children and young people have benefitted from their involvement in the annual Childnet Film Competition, inspiring their creativity in film alongside developing their online safety learning, creating imaginative and innovative youth-produced content. The BBFC have been such an important supporter from the start, with CEO David being a brilliant member of our esteemed judging panel. We are so excited by the BBFC choosing to support the Childnet Film Competition, ensuring the 2025 competition, and encouraging and disseminating youth voice through the powerful medium of film.”

Fiona Evans, CEO, Into Film: “We are incredibly honoured and delighted to be the recipients of this generous donation from the BBFC. The funds will support one of our Every Child a Filmmaker projects, all of which have particular focus on supporting children and young people from underserved and underrepresented backgrounds across the UK.”

Neil Griffiths, CEO Arts Emergency: “With fewer than one in ten workers in culture coming from lower socio-economic backgrounds, and the cost of living crisis worsening for so many of us, Arts Emergency is delighted to receive support from The BBFC. It’s a critical time for the arts in the UK, and this donation will enable a significant number of young people to join our community and access a wealth of opportunity, information, and encouragement as they find their path and make their contribution to the culture we all live in. Thank you!”

Jamie Lynch, Director of Development, MediCinema: “The BBFC has been a long-term supporter of ours and we are so grateful to have been chosen as one of their charities this year.  This very generous donation will help us to continue to support thousands of NHS patients who come through our doors every year with the power of cinema, giving them some time away from the wards and helping to improve their emotional, physical and mental health at the most challenging of times.”

Olivia Wasson, Partnerships Manager, The Connection at The Connection at St Martin’s: “At The Connection, we start with the basics, a cup of tea and a warm meal. Then it's about listening to people, and building trust, so we can work out what they need next. It could be mental health support, help to get into work, or help to find a place to live – whatever they need to recover and find their way off the streets.

“As the winter period rolls in and the temperature drops, this donation from the British Board of Film Classification will help us keep people warm and safe. With this kind of support, we believe we can make London a city where no one has to sleep rough.”